‘Pink’ the Pelican Released After Speedy Recovery

Councilman Joe Buscaino releases Pink the pelican at Royal Palms State Beach on Tuesday. (Photo: Branimir Kvartuc)

A brown pelican that made headlines in April when it was found in Long Beach with its pouch slashed was released at Royal Palms State Beach today after recovering from two surgeries at the International Bird Rescue Center in San Pedro.

Rescue center staff said that Pink the pelican — named after the color of the leg band it wore during its stay in San Pedro — made a remarkably speedy recovery. The pelican arrived at the center severely malnourished and unable to fly. Animal rights supporters were so outraged by the story, they raised $20,000 for a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect in the case.

Pink underwent six hours of surgeries in which hundreds of stitches were made to the gash.

“Despite the vicious attack against this pelican, Pink brought out the best in wildlife lovers all over the country, who supported and rallied behind the bird’s care and recovery,” said Jay Holcomb, executive director of the International Bird Rescue, in a statement. “Though we still don’t know who committed this criminal act, we’re thrilled to release a strong and healthy Pink, one of hundreds of pelicans we care for every year.”

Pink underwent one final evaluation before Councilman Joe Buscaino released the pelican from a crate on the sand of Royal Palms State Beach this afternoon.

“Over the course of treatment, I’ve seen Pink transform from weak and sad to feisty and voracious,” veterinarian Dr. Rebecca Duerr said in a statement. “Despite having the largest pouch laceration I’ve ever seen, he did great during post-operative care and has healed in record time.”